Prayer & Faith Groups

Canterbury Solitude Group

We are a group of people who seek to spend prayerful time in silence in the company of others. Our time together is based on St. Francis’s Rule for Hermitages. Each morning begins with refreshments, we then move into prayer. One of the group presents a short reflection followed by time spent in solitude, before gathering for an optional sharing.

The group has been set up within the Catholic Parish of St Thomas of Canterbury. Our gathering is ecumenical.

We meet together on 3rd Saturday of every month in Greyfriars, Stour Street, 9am-11.45am.

Anyone is welcome to join us, just come along.

For more information contact Michael Coppin on 07970 579151 or michaelcoppin@btinternet.com

Catholic Men’s Group

Men meet to share the joys and difficulties of their faith journey and consider issues with particular concern for men today. We meet in the Upper Room in St Thomas’ Church every third Wednesday of the month, from 8:00pm until 9:30pm. For more information contact: Graeme Booth (T: 01227 831290) or by email graemebooth @ rockuknet.

Hope for a New Beginning

This ministry led by volunteers is aimed at the widowed, separated, and divorced. The work is carried out at special weekend gatherings which encourage participants to share their need and deal with the natural process of grief and loneliness. Further details available for Helen (01193 881877).

Mothers Prayers – Hope for your Family

In 17 years, Mothers Prayers has spread into 108 countries. We believe it was inspired into being by God — and is being sustained by His Spirit. Women of different Christian traditions and languages are greatly encouraged as they see the wonderful answers to prayer. There are thousands and thousands of women all over the world who regularly meet together in small groups to pray for their children, united together in their love of God and by using the same prayers.

As they meet together, the mothers themselves have been greatly blessed and have experienced a deeper peace, increase of faith, and greater capacity to trust God. They come to know the reality that “Nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).

You are warmly invited to join us on Fridays at 11am in the Upper Room at St Thomas’ Church. Please contact Mary McGillie or Brenda Montellano though the parish office (01227 462896) or by email: stthomas.canterbury (@) talk21.com.

St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP)

The SVP is an international, voluntary, Christian organization and our aim is to serve those in need whoever they are, wherever they are from and whatever their religious beliefs, by providing a sympathetic ear and practical help. St Thomas’ SVP would like to welcome anyone who feels they would like to join us in this work. We meet every Wednesday at 7pm in the upper room above the sacristy in the parish church.

Our Conference President is Colette Noble who is contactable through the parish office of on the SVP mobile: 07902 855622.

Thursday Scripture Group

The meeting takes place in the upper room after the midday mass on Thursdays. The meeting commences with prayer, and then the group reads and discusses the readings for the coming Sunday. We bring our own sandwiches, while hot beverages and biscuits are provided. The Thursday Scripture Group is informal and everyone is welcome. For more information, please contact:

Union of Christian Mothers (UCM)

We have meetings twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 1pm in the Hall following the lunchtime mass. The UCM hosts a variety of speakers on both religious and topical issues and organize lunches throughout the year and outings during the summer. All ladies are welcome.

Veritas : Catholic Young Adults in Canterbury

We are a group of young adults (18-35) all living in Canterbury. Some of us are still at University, some of us work and others are still trying to find out what path to take in life. We meet every Wednesday at 7:15pm (for a 7:30pm start) in the Presbytery’s Club Room.

The aims of the group are:

To allow Catholic young adults to meet and have the opportunity to grow together in faith.

To provide an opportunity for socialising with other young Catholics.

To explore the Bible together.

To encourage and strengthen each other in faith.

To pray together.

To be of service wherever the Church needs us.

Why not come along and find out whether this sort of group appeals to you? Join us on Facebook: “Catholic Young Adults in Canterbury”. For more information contact veritas.canterbury@gmail.com.

Wednesday Mass Group

On Wednesdays following the 7:30am mass, we provide a light breakfast in the upper room. All our welcome. To find out more, please contact: